Many homeowners love the comfort of underfloor heating but worry about the running costs. Is it more expensive than traditional radiators, or can it actually save money over time?

The answer depends on your home, your heating source, and how efficiently the system is installed. This guide breaks down the real costs of underfloor heating and explains how to get the most from your energy use.

How Underfloor Heating Uses Energy

Underfloor heating warms a large surface area at a low temperature. Because the heat is spread evenly across the floor, the system doesn’t need to reach high temperatures to make a room feel warm.

Radiators typically operate between 65°C and 75°C, while underfloor heating works effectively at 35°C to 45°C. Lower temperatures mean lower energy use and steadier comfort.

Comparing Costs: Underfloor Heating vs Radiators

When measured over time, underfloor heating can be cheaper to run than radiators, especially in well-insulated homes. The system operates more efficiently because it loses less heat through walls and ceilings.

Radiators heat air directly, which rises to the ceiling and cools quickly. Underfloor heating delivers radiant warmth from the floor, keeping heat where it’s most useful — around you. As a result, thermostats can often be set a few degrees lower without sacrificing comfort.

Electricity and Water Systems

Electric underfloor heating uses heating cables or mats powered by electricity. It’s quick to install but can cost more to run per kilowatt-hour if electricity prices are high. It’s best suited for smaller areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or extensions.

Water-based systems use warm water from a boiler or heat pump. They are more efficient for larger spaces or whole-house systems and work well with renewable energy sources such as air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

Although water systems cost more to install, they offer lower long-term running costs, particularly when paired with renewable heating technology.

Factors That Affect Running Costs

Several factors determine how much underfloor heating will cost to run:

  1. Insulation quality
    Well-insulated homes retain heat longer, reducing the time the system needs to run. Poor insulation can cause heat loss and higher bills.
  2. Floor coverings
    Materials like tile, stone, or vinyl allow heat to pass through efficiently. Thick carpets or rugs act as insulators and reduce performance.
  3. Thermostat control
    Programmable thermostats and zoning let you heat specific rooms when needed. This avoids energy waste and improves efficiency.
  4. Heat source
    Systems connected to condensing boilers or heat pumps are more efficient than older boiler models.
  5. Usage habits
    Keeping temperatures steady is better than repeatedly turning the system on and off. Radiant systems perform best when maintaining a consistent background temperature.

Average Running Costs

Actual costs depend on property size and energy prices, but the following examples provide a general guide:

Electric systems: around £6–10 per square metre per year for bathrooms or smaller rooms used occasionally.
Water systems: typically 15–25% cheaper to run than a radiator system in an equivalent property.

Homes using renewable energy or low-carbon heat sources can reduce these costs even further.

Long-Term Savings

Although installation costs can be higher initially, underfloor heating provides long-term savings through lower operating temperatures and consistent efficiency.

Because rooms feel warmer at lower thermostat settings, households often reduce their overall energy use. Combined with modern controls and good insulation, the result is a comfortable, cost-effective, and sustainable heating solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric underfloor heating expensive to run?
Electric systems can cost more per unit of energy but are efficient in smaller rooms and where heating time is limited.

Does underfloor heating save money with a heat pump?
Yes. Underfloor heating works at low temperatures, which makes it ideal for use with air-source and ground-source heat pumps.

Can I use underfloor heating all day?
Yes. It’s designed for continuous low-level heating. Running it steadily is often cheaper than turning it on and off repeatedly.

Underfloor heating isn’t necessarily expensive to run. When properly installed, insulated, and controlled, it can be more economical than radiators — especially when used with a modern boiler or heat pump.

The key to low running costs is good design, the right flooring choice, and efficient temperature control.

For personalised advice and a free quote, contact The Underfloor Heating Company team today!

Our specialists can help you design an energy-efficient system that fits your home and budget.